RL&CBB- GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF HEALTH AFFAIRS - NAJRAN - KSA - EMAIL :

LABSNJ@ MOH.GOV.SA
Title: Applies to:
Mechanism of fumes and All staff
vapors monitoring

Index Number ISSUE DATE

RL&CBB-SF -IPP-005-r3- Y GENERAL IPP 2017-02-17
EFFECTIVE DATE
2017-03-01
Approved by Medical director NEXT REVISION DATE
2019-02-17

1. PURPOSE:
2.1 To monitor formalin and xylene concentrations in the histopathology laboratory for the sake of
employee safety and in order to reduce the hazardous effect of such chemicals on laboratory
personnel.
2. DEFINITIONS:
Formalin: A colorless gas at room temperature with pungent odor; strongly irritating to nose and throat.
mostly as “10 % formalin solution”; a mixture of formaldehyde, methanol and water.
6.2 Xylene: A colorless liquid , Commonly used as a solvent in various applications especially in
histology labs highly flammable procedures.
3. RESPONSIBILITIES:
3.1. All level laboratory staff
4. POLICY:
4.1. To remove biological hazardous fumes and vapors from the work area by passing through the filter
and duct to the outside by fume hood that is the primary source of protection.
4.2. Formaldehyde and xylene vapor concentrations must be monitored in all areas where these reagents
are used: e.g, pathology gross dissection room, histology laboratory, autopsy room, etc for the sake
of employee safety and in order to reduce the hazardous effect of such chemicals on laboratory
personnel.
5. PROCEDURE.
5.1. Formaldehyde and xylene vapor concentrations must be monitored in all areas where these reagents
are used: e.g. surgical pathology gross dissection room, histology laboratory, autopsy room, etc.
5.2. Monitoring Guidelines:
5.2.1.After the initial formaldehyde monitoring procedure, further periodic formaldehyde monitoring is
mandated if results of the initial monitoring equal or exceed 0.5 ppm (8hr time-weighted
exposure, the action “level” or 2.0 ppm (STEL).
5.2.2.Initial monitoring must be repeated anytime there is a change on production, equipment,
process, personnel, or control measures which may result in new or additional exposure to
formaldehyde.
5.2.3.Periodic formaldehyde monitoring is mandated only if the initial monitoring is at or exceeds
0.75ppm (8-hr TWA) or 2.0 pm (STEL)

RL&CBB-SF-IPP-005-r3- Br Page 1 of 3
 RL&CBB- GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF HEALTH AFFAIRS - NAJRAN - KSA - EMAIL :
LABSNJ@ MOH.GOV.SA
Title: Applies to:
Mechanism of fumes and All staff
vapors monitoring

Index Number ISSUE DATE

RL&CBB-SF -IPP-005-r3- Y GENERAL IPP 2017-02-17
EFFECTIVE DATE
2017-03-01
Approved by Medical director NEXT REVISION DATE
2019-02-17

5.2.4..The laboratory may discontinue periodic formaldehyde monitoring if results from 2 consecutive
sampling periods taken at least 7 days apart show that employee exposure is below the action
level and the short-term exposure limit, and 1) no change has occurred in production, equipment,
process or personnel or control measures that may result in new or additional exposure to
formaldehyde, and 2) there have been no reports of conditions that maybe associated with
formaldehyde exposure.
5.2.5. If any personnel report signs or symptoms of respiratory or dermal conditions associated with
formaldehyde exposure, the laboratory must promptly monitor the affected person’s exposure.
5.2.6. Xylene must be monitored initially, but there is no requirement for periodic monitoring of xylene.

8hr Time- Action Level 15 min Short-Term

Weighted (8 hr Time- Average Exposure
Exposure Limit Weighted Limit (STEL)
Exposure)
Formaldehyde 0.75 0.5 2.0

Xylene 100 150

o
o
o

6. REFERENCES
6.1. Safety in Health Care Laboratories WHO
6.2. Safety manual.
6.3. Montanaro A. Formaldehyde in the workplace and in the home. Exploring its clinical toxicology. Lab
Med. 1996;27:752-757

RL&CBB-SF-IPP-005-r3- Br Page 2 of 3
 RL&CBB- GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF HEALTH AFFAIRS - NAJRAN - KSA - EMAIL :
LABSNJ@ MOH.GOV.SA
Title: Applies to:
Mechanism of fumes and All staff
vapors monitoring

Index Number ISSUE DATE

RL&CBB-SF -IPP-005-r3- Y GENERAL IPP 2017-02-17
EFFECTIVE DATE
2017-03-01
Approved by Medical director NEXT REVISION DATE
2019-02-17

6.4. Goris JA. Minimizing the toxic effects of Formaldehyde. Lab Med. 1997;29:39-42

RL&CBB-SF-IPP-005-r3- Br Page 3 of 3